For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18

No pain, no gain. This statement might seem foolish to some, but to those who are sincere about healthy living and long life, it only makes sense. The disciplined lifestyle may seem impossible to some, but to those who engage in healthy living it is empowering, enjoyable, and energizing. They understand and enjoy the benefits of dedicated workouts, devotion to healthy and nutritious diets, and discipline to stay the course. The scripture passage reminds us that similar thoughts exist about the message of the Cross. There is the thought of “How is meaning and purpose in life obtained through death and denying oneself of its pleasures?” This is mere foolishness to many who are of the intellectual mind, self-sufficient, and well accomplished in their current state of being. Yet my friend, this is the meaning of Easter. Easter is God’s way “that man should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). At the Cross man will determine whether he will perish or receive the “power of God” to eternal life. Friend, you may not call yourself a preacher, “but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” to proclaim the message of the Cross, which is salvation in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin. We all have loved ones who we would love to see saved and gain eternal life. Dear friend, are willing to deny yourself and suffer a moment to share the Easter story? To share “the preaching of the Cross,” that the power of God’s love might pierce the darkness of a lost soul and allow the precious blood of Jesus Christ to flow into their heart and bring them to His marvelous light. Will this Easter be a gain for the Kingdom of God? I pray that we will see the power of God move upon “us which are saved.” Father thank You for Your love. Remind me to survey myself at the foot of the Cross to see the precious blood, that flowed from Emmanuel’s vein, to pour our Your love upon a lost and dying world, “that none should perish but have everlasting life.” Thank You for saving me and giving me life eternal. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up. Ps 5:3

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Rom 4:20

Is your faith as strong as your belief? We can believe in history, believe in past events, facts, discoveries through research, or people who were honored for heroics, great achievements, or great wisdom. But what about believing with expectation? That requires faith. Faith is holding on to a promise with great expectation, despite the circumstances. Faith is expecting someone to fulfill their promise even when delayed or that circumstances have turned against you. The scripture passage gives us an example found in the life of Abraham, the father of faith. The scripture reminds us that “he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith.” Abraham believed God’s promise for a son and that he would be the father of nations. Time passed and Abraham endured with greater expectation year after year without receiving the promise. Yet for Abraham, he “was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” With the delay, his faith grew stronger and his worship for God grew mightier to “give glory to God.” Day after day, year after year Abraham continued “giving glory to God” who had made the promise. Time didn’t weaken or lessen his faith in God, it only made his faith in God grow stronger that “after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise” (Heb 6:15). Abraham rejoiced to hear God’s promise and his joy overflowed even more as he waited for God to fulfill His promise. He waited and endured with great expectation and the peace of God kept his heart from unbelief. My friend, we can believe the truths of God’s word because “He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23). He is faithful to all who hear and receive the word of God with great expectation. Dear friend, let joy and peace of God “guard your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7) that you may patiently endure “giving glory to God.” Father thank You for Your love and hearing the prayers of Your children. Thank You for the promise that “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mk 11:24). I give glory to Your Name. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.